49th Annual Tolland Antiques Show is Approaching

The 49th Annual Tolland Antiques Show will be held on Sunday, February 8th. Buying begins at 9:00 am, and will close at 4:00 pm. The cost is $9 per person to enter. There will be a luncheon menu available, as well as free parking. The Antiques Show will be held at the Tolland Middle School, which is located off Exit 68 on I-84.

A Benefit for the Tolland Historical Society, this distinguished show features 18th and 19th century American furniture, accessories, textiles, rugs, prints, folk art, paintings, red ware and early iron. Many items are of museum quality. Over sixty-five dealers from throughout New England, Pennsylvania, and New York make this show one of the premier events dealing in early Americana.

Already attracting New York City collectors, the show was featured in the Boston Globe as a destination location for interested collectors and browsers. Tolland is on the annual buying road trip for several more dealers who will be coming.

"It is getting to be well-recognized nationally," says local dealer, Steve Kochenburger of Willington Antiques. "It is really known as the best little country show in the country because of the quality of the people who exhibit there."

Show Director and Historical Society member, Kathy Bach, claims that the show is great both for the collector and first time browser. "Many of these dealers are interested collectors themselves and have a wealth of knowledge about the items they are selling. With this level of expertise present, it is a good place for someone who wants to learn more about antiques."

Bach and Kochenburger look for dealers to exhibit items in original condition or with minimal restoration. They also focus on having a show with a diversity of items.

"We are delighted each year with the high caliber of our show, made possible by our returning dealers, their knowledge and their referrals," says Bach. "The Society and the dealers understand what a gem we have, and will continue to strive to maintain that level of excellence into the future."

"We continue to increase in interest among Northeast and Mid-Atlantic dealers and customers. The Society's goal is to maintain a high caliber show that draws the best in high country Americana dealers," adds Bach.

"The show is the major fundraising activity for the Society each year. Proceeds from the show support the three historical society museums in Tolland; the Old Tolland County Jail & Museum, the Old Tolland County Courthouse, both located on Tolland Green, and the Daniel Benton Homestead, a pre-Revolutionary War home located on Metcalf Road. The proceeds also defray the cost of the many programs that the Society sponsors in the community, especially in the school system related to curriculum," says Bach.